Ep. 4.36: Archbishop May, the Permanent Diaconate, and the Expanding Mission of Service in 1980s St. Louis

This episode explores Archbishop John L. May’s deep commitment to pro‑life teaching and his parallel effort to strengthen the permanent diaconate during the 1980s, revealing how both priorities shaped the Archdiocese of St. Louis in lasting ways. Monsignor recounts May’s forceful public stance against abortion—rooted in clear moral language, pastoral concern for mothers, and practical initiatives like the Lifeline Coalition, Birthright partnerships, and the Villa Maria maternity home—while also tracing the rapid growth of the permanent diaconate, its evolving identity, and the challenges of balancing ministry, family, and secular work. Through Blue Notes, diocesan conferences, and the steady expansion of deacon formation, Archbishop May fostered a clergy of service-oriented men whose vocation complemented his broader vision for a Church engaged in defending life, supporting families, and meeting the needs of a changing urban community.